Hotel Merici ★★★★

There’s nothing quite like staying in a hotel with a colourful past where you can feel the history seeping through the floorboards, which is just what you get at the Hotel Merici. This old boarding school may have been transformed into a chic, luxurious and modern boutique hotel, but you can still truly sense the history and tradition of the place. Once run by an Ursuline Order whose founder lends the hotel its name, the building retains all of its spiritual and tranquil atmosphere, providing an utterly relaxing retreat just a few metres from Sittard’s main Markt square. As you wake up to the sound of church bells, descend the majestic oak staircase, stroll through beautifully tiled corridors or glimpse the sunlight pouring in through traditional and elegant window panes, it is hard not to feel captivated by the building’s character and soul.

However, the hotel also features plenty of modern style and 21st century luxuries which sit harmoniously alongside the original architectural details, giving guests the best of both worlds. The décor is characterised by a kind of understated elegance, with a sleek and refined finish to everything which helps the hotel feel undeniably chic and stylish. VeryChic offers a stay in a stunning Superior room, decked out in inviting colour schemes and providing all the contemporary luxury you could hope for. Delightfully spacious, each room has its fair share of gadgets and gizmos to help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, including Nespresso coffee machines and gorgeous bathrooms with rainfall showers.

You can also rely on the Hotel Merici to keep you well fed at any time of day. The morning begins with a sumptuous breakfast spread, a superb array of fresh pastries, breads, fruits, smoothies, eggs cooked to order and more, with an emphasis placed on sourcing organic, fair trade and regional produce. The hotel’s main restaurant, Wine & Dine, is not in fact in the hotel itself but a few metres down the road in the Markt square, where you can sit on the terrace on warm summer evenings and admire the comings and goings through the town’s main hub of activity. Serving up some delicious dishes, all beautifully presented and full of local flavours, it is certainly worth the short stroll!

Being so close to the Markt square is a real privilege, placing you right in the heart of this charming and historic town. Sittard may not be the most well-known of tourist destinations, but it is a delightful place which is well worth exploring. Its old streets, some lined with pretty half-timbered houses, are lovely to simply walk through and soak in the soul of the city. Meanwhile, with the original city walls and some impressive churches to see, there are plenty of ancient monuments to admire besides the one you are staying in!

What’s more, Sittard is nestled between the German and Belgian borders, meaning that exploring further afield might lead you to the Belgian city of Genk, the German city of Aachen or even the Dutch city of Maastricht, all of which are within easy reach. With the chance to visit three countries in one, an enchanting old town to discover and a remarkable hotel to stay in, the Hotel Merici makes for a truly one-of-a-kind getaway!